As the “Trillion Peso March” commenced on Sunday, September 21, former student activist Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan joined the EDSA Shrine Mass in the morning alongside Senators Leila de Lima, Bam Aquino, and Risa Hontiveros, before proceeding to the People Power Monument.
In an ambush interview, Pangilinan underscored the people’s constitutional right to protest, calling it a vital way to hold public officials accountable and to make their voices heard. “That is a constitutionally guaranteed right and therefore sa ngayon kinakailangan ipamalas ang ating daing,” he said. “Sabi ko nga wala ring pwersang mas hihigit pa sa usapin ng pulitika pag ang taong bayan na mismo ang naninindigan, tumataya, at kumikilos.”
The senator stressed that the public will not sit idly by nor allow cover-ups in the twin investigations in both the House and Senate. He emphasized that marching has historically been effective in conveying public anger and compelling officials to act. “Dahil alam niyo yung mga politiko mga sensitive rin yan sa ano ang pwedeng mangyari sa kanila—iboboto pa ba sila ulit o hindi? ‘Pag nakita nila ito – e malaking mensahe sa kanila. So dapat lang suportahan ang mga pag kilos na ‘to.”
Acknowledging that the Senate’s integrity is under scrutiny, with some senators being accused of involvement, Pangilinan reaffirmed his impartiality and commitment to truth. “Let us see where the evidence will lead us. Let the evidence lead us to a conclusion kaya importante rin ang mga hearing na ‘to.”
Despite the challenges, the senator remains hopeful and aligned with Filipinos participating in the Trillion Peso March. He urged citizens not to lose heart and to persist in peaceful mobilizations. “’Wag tayong magbibitiw. Tuluy tuloy lang itong peaceful mobilizations dahil yan ang pinaka ‘katiyakan’ na makikinig ang ating mga naka upo.”